English_content
She is graduated in Ecobiology (LM) from the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and has a PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from the same university. His research activities are focused on organic contaminants (eg drugs, antibiotics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nonylphenols, bisphenol, etc) interactions with natural microorganisms. She gained experience in setting up biodegradation microcosms to evaluate both the environmental persistence of selected contaminants and their effects on natural microbial communities structure and functioning (e.g. PLFA and qPCR analyses).
Recent research activities are focused on the spread of genes that confer resistance to antibiotics (ARGs) among natural microbial communities, and the correlation between this latter with the antibiotic environmental concentrations. She also works on the development and validation of analytical methodologies (e.g. LC-MS / MS) for the determination of organic pollutants in different environmental matrices.
Scopus - Author ID: 57192521577
She graduated in Biological Sciences and then obtained a PhD in Polar Sciences in 2003 always at the University of Siena.
The main lines of research are aimed at understanding the sources, flows, distribution and fate of persistent and emerging organic contaminants (POPs) in polar and temperate ecosystems. Recent studies are focused on the study of the transfer of emerging POPs between abiotic (water, sediment) and biotic (trophic networks) compartments and between trophic levels; bioaccumulation and biomagnification and related factors; and on the toxicity risk assessment (TEF method, TEQ) in marine food webs, also through the use of sentinel organisms, to assess the risk for humans and for the ecosystem. She promotes the study of protected species or living in protected areas through the use of non-destructive and non-lethal sampling methods. Development and optimization of methods for the determination of emerging organic contaminants.
She has participated in several expeditions to Antarctica as part of the National Research Program in Antarctica and to the Arctic: Svalbard and Greenland, the latest as part of an international project on the effects of climate change on Arctic organisms (TUNU Program: Arctic Ocean Fishes - Diversity, adaptation and conservation '' UiT The Arctic University of Norway).
Scopus - Author ID: 7801563492 
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1875-6530 Google Scholar
Polar and remote area research is supported not only by permanent stations but also by a series of observatories, that is, by permanent or semi-permanent infrastructures designed to allow for long-term, often automated, measurements.
Eight observatories report to the Institute of Polar Sciences, in various capacities: 6 in polar regions, of which 4 in the Arctic (Climate Change Tower, Gruvedabet and 2 Mooring: Kongfjorden and Storfjorden) and 2 in Antarctica (BSRN Station and Mooring del Ross Sea), and 2 in non-polar regions, of which 1 in the high altitude region (Col Margherita) and 1 in the Adriatic Sea (Mooring Southern Adriatic, MSA).
Most of the scientific activity of the researchers of the Institute of Polar Sciences makes use of three permanent scientific bases located in the polar areas: the Dirigible Italia Station (SDI) located at the Svalbard Archipelago, in the Arctic and the Mario Zucchelli (MZS) and Concordia stations in Antarctica, respectively in the Terranova Bay and at Dome C, on the Antarctic Plateau.
The Dirigible Italia Station is managed by the CNR through ISP. The Mario Zucchelli Station is managed by ENEA for PNRA, while the Concordia base, opened on the basis of a bilateral Italian-French agreement between PNRA (Italy) and IPEV (France), is managed jointly between ENEA and IPEV.
Where we are: the secondary office of the Institute of Polar Sciences of Bologna is located in the Research Area of Bologna. The ISP occupies a total area (offices and laboratories) of about 300 m2, distributed between 2 buildings, that are partly shared with ISAC (Institute of Atmospheric and Climate Science) and ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences) staff.
How to find us:
- by train: from Bologna Centrale train station you can take a taxi that will take you to your destination in 5 minutes, or you can take bus nr. 87 or nr. 37;
- by car: from the motorway take the Bologna Arcoveggio exit, from the ring road take exit no. 5, Lame District;
- by plane: from the Guglielmo Marconi airport you can take the Aerobus BLQ shuttle to the railway station, then a scheduled urban bus (as above), or you can take a taxi (cotabo.it, Phone:+39 051-372727 or taxibologna.it, Phone:+39 051-4590) which will take you to your destination in about 10 minutes.
Contact
ISP Secondary office of Bologna
Responsable
Dr Stefano Miserocchi
E-mail: responsabile_bo AT isp.cnr.it
c/o Area della Ricerca di Bologna
Via P. Gobetti, 101 - 40129 Bologna (BO)
Phone:+39 051 6398880
Fax: +39 051 6398939
MAP
Research Topics
Introduction
The ISP’s research activities are mainly carried out in the Antarctic and Arctic Regions where snow and ice are the dominant aspects of the landscape. These regions, more than others, are affected by climate change and because of this the work of scientists has become a real race against time to be able to learn more about the history of our planet in order to understand how human activities, from the dawn of civilization to present day, have impacted ecosystems, by interacting with and modifying the delicate balances that govern the Earth’s climate system.
Brief description
The experimental activities carried out at the MAMB laboratory in Messina are aimed at the ecological study of microorganisms by applying specific methods for the determination of the abundance and biomass of prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) and phytoplankton, as well as for the morphometric and morphological description at the cellular level. The evaluation of these phenotypic characteristics provides a different approach to the analysis of the ecosystem structure and allows to evaluate the heterogeneity of natural populations. Variations in cell size, shape and morphology are considered sensitive indicators of trophic and climatic changes in ecosystems. The laboratory also carries out analyzes for the quantification of viable (Live / Dead) and respiring (CTC +) cells using specific microbial biomarkers. The laboratory activities are also in support of the EcoBiM and BiogeM Laboratories.
Matrices of interest
The matrices analyzed are mostly attributable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines), soil, sediments, biofilm, cryosphere (permafrost, snow, sea and continental ice, intrapermafrost brines) and aquatic organisms.
Applied experimental approaches
- determination of biomass of prokaryotes by counting, and morphometric and morphological analysis of cells, using selective filters for DAPI (4 ', 6-diamidine-2-phenylindole);
- determination of cells with primary fluorescence using specific selective filters;
- quantification of cells endowed with respiratory activity (5-Cyano-2,3-ditolyl-tetrazolium chloride-CTC), using selective filters for rhodamine;
- quantification of viable cells with intact membranes (Live / Dead) using selective filters for fluorescein and rhodamine;
- identification of target bacterial cells by immunofluorescence techniques (fluoresceinated antibodies);
- estimation of the relative abundance of microbial phylogenetic groups using CARD-FISH (catalyzed reporter deposition-fluorescence in situ hybridization).
Instrumentation
- Zeiss AXIOPLAN 2 Imaging epifluorescence microscope equipped with AXIOCAMHR (Zeiss) digital video camera and AXIOVISION 3.1 software. Technical features: high pressure mercury vapor lamp (100 W); 100XPlan-Neofluar immersion objective; 10 X eyepieces, one of which has a squared reticle; interchangeable and appropriate optical filter sets for:
DAPI: G365 excitation, FT395 color divider and LP420 barrier filter;
Primary fluorescence: BP450-490 / FT510 / LP515;
Rhodamine: BP546 / 12; FT580; LP590;
Fluorescein: BP450-490; FT510; LP520.
For details: Sig. Giovanna Maimone – giovanna.maimone AT cnr.it
Brief description
The research activities carried out in the HydroChem laboratory in Messina are aimed at studying the marine (coastal and pelagic) and lake water bodies, providing technical-scientific support to the study of biogeochemical cycles and ecological processes also in relation to marine acidification, as well as studies of microbial biomass conducted in the MAMB Laboratory. In particular, analyses of oxygen, salinity, pH, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and particulate organic carbon are performed. As part of the environmental monitoring activity, several prototype nutrient analyzers were tested both on fixed platform and on boat, at pristine or anthropogenically polluted sites.
Matrices of interest
The analyzed matrices are mostly attributable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines).
Instrumentation
The laboratory is equipped with basic instrumentation for environmental chemistry [spectrophotometer, spectrofluorimeter, luminometer, digital burette for oxygen titration, centrifuge, salinometer, automatic nutrient analyzers (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and orthophosphates), extraction hoods, vacuum pumps, filtration septa, magnetic shaker, pHmeter].
For details: Dr. Filippo Azzaro – filippo.azzaro AT cnr.it
Short description
The experimental activities carried out at the BioSoundEcology Lab in Messina are focused on the analysis of biological underwater acoustic sources and the study of the ecological dynamics of marine vertebrates and invertebrates in polar habitats. In addition, the impacts of anthropogenic acoustic sources on the ecology, physiology and behaviour of marine organisms are assessed. In particular, through the study of the sounds generated by animals, the biological and ecological aspects are investigated. The analysis of the noise from human activities provides useful elements for understanding the effects on animals through the study of their behavioural and physiological responses.
Matrices of interest
The activities are mostly ascribable to marine habitats.
Study techniques
At the BioSoundEcology Lab, acoustic data acquisition in field/controlled environment and assessment of animal responses to environmental noise disturbance are carried out, in particular:
- Acoustic data analysis;
- Estimation of underwater noise and environmental acoustic components;
- Evaluation of ecological dynamics through the analysis of the vocalizations of marine animals;
-Analysis of the biochemical, physiological and behavioural responses of animals exposed to acoustic disturbance;
- Study of the acoustic ecology of marine mammals.
Instrumentation
The Lab is equipped with instrumentation for passive acoustic monitoring in the field (hydrophones and autonomous acoustic data acquisition systems) and for studies of the effects of noise on marine organisms in controlled environment (cameras, amplifier, acoustic transducer, software for acoustic and behavioral analysis).
For details: Dr. Francesco Filiciotto – francesco.filiciotto AT cnr.it
Short description
The research activities carried out in the BiogeM laboratory at the Messina headquarters are aimed at studying the marine and terrestrial biological processes that modulate and influence the chemical characteristics of the polar environment and the related cycles of matter and energy, also in relation to climate change.
Particular attention is paid to the evaluation of the role of microorganisms in the global carbon cycle and in the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) of marine and lacustrine environments, through the study of both productive and degradative processes.
Among these, the activities involved in the decomposition of organic polymers, through microbial enzymatic activities, and the mineralization processes through microbial respiration.
The biogeochemical processes mediated by the microbial component are also being studied in the framework of the cryosphere, in order to understand the ecological significance of microbes in the permafrost, and their ability to maintain an active metabolism in extreme living conditions.
Together with the microbial processes linked to the biological pump and organic matter decomposition, a series of indirect biogeochemical parameters related to phytoplankton and bacterial biomass (Chlorophyll, ATP, lipopolysaccharides-LPS) are also determined.
Matrices of interest
The analyzed matrices are mostly ascribable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines), soil, sediments, biofilm, cryosphere (permafrost, snow, sea and continental ice, intrapermafrost brines) and aquatic organisms.
Study techniques
At the BiogeM laboratory, measurements are carried out to determine the following parameters:
- Primary phytoplankton production;
- Microbial respiratory activity (consumed O2; produced CO2) (by ETS assay);
- Microbial enzymatic activities (leucin aminopeptidase, beta-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase) (through fluorogenic substrates);
- Heterotrophic bacterial production;
- Content of total and size-fractionated (pico-, nano- and micro-phytoplanktonic) chlorophyll-a, pheopigments;
- microbial ATP in pico-, nano and microplankton fractions;
- Quantitative analysis of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by the LAL chromogenic test.
Instrumentation
Spectrofluorimeter, Luminometer, Fluorometer, Spectrophotometer equipped with 96-well plate fluorescence reader, incubator, autoclave, balance, homogenizer, filtration systems, refrigerated centrifuge.
For information: Dr. Gabriella Caruso – gabriella.caruso AT cnr.it
More...
Brief description
Experimental activities carried out at the EcoBiM LAB in Messina are addressed to the ecology and biotechnology of microorganisms, particularly prokaryotes, inhabiting both marine and continental polar habitats. The diversity of microorganisms, their response to environmental stress conditions (deriving from natural or anthropogenic forcing, such as climate change and chemical contamination), the astrobiological implications of life in extreme environments, and their evolution and adaptation in polar environments are among the ecological aspects investigated. EcoBiM researchers are also interested in the evaluation of the metabolic capabilities and biotechnological potentialities of cold-adapted microorganisms, by searching for biomolecules exploitable in industrial applications and bacteria able to degrade organic pollutants at low temperatures.
Matrices of interest
The analyzed matrices are mostly attributable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines) and cryosphere (permafrost, snow, sea-ice and continental ice, intrapermafrost brines), but soils and sediments are also considered. The study of the interactions between microorganisms and biotic (for example, pelagic and benthic organisms) and abiotic (such as microbial communities colonizing polymeric materials, indicated with the term plastisphere) is of particular interest.
Applied experimental approaches
For the microbiological characterization of extreme environments, similarly to the analytical procedures commonly applied for the study of temperate areas, we use both culture-dependent and -independent (i.e. biomolecular and biochemical) approaches, including:
- isolation and maintenance in pure culture of bacterial strains;
- phenotypic (physiological, biochemical and morphological characteristics) and genotypic (analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences and search for functional genes) characterization of cultivable bacteria;
- screening of bacteria for the production for useful biomolecules (including antibiotics, exopolysaccharides, biosurfactants);
- evaluation of the metabolic capacities of the microbial communities through miniaturized assays;
- characterization of the microbial communities by the hybridization in situ with oligonucleotide probes (CARD-FISH);
- extraction of environmental DNA and RNA for metagenomics and metatrascriptomics studies;
- preparation of microcosms enriched with organic and inorganic contaminants, and degradation tests.
Instrumentation
The EcoBiM LAB is equipped with basic instrumentation for environmental and applied microbiology (laminar flow cabinet, autoclave, incubators and thermostated baths, centrifuges, filtration systems, sonicators, spectrophotometers, fluorometers) and molecular biology equipment (thermocycler and equipment for electrophoresis).
For details: Dr. Angelina Lo Giudice - angelina.logiudice AT cnr.it
Polar environments are highly biodiverse on a spatial temporal scale as well as at different levels of biological organization, from the molecular level to the entire ecosystem. Recent and rapid climatic and environmental changes give urgency to understanding the response of biological communities to these changes, and their impact in the short and long term. In this context, ISP researchers study the different bio-ecological aspects of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of both poles. Their research is developed along four main often interconnected research fields.
Biodiversity and adaptation
Polar biological communities are heavily influenced by several local factors concomitant to low temperatures, such as dryness, ice cover, poor nutrient availability, exposure to harmful solar radiation (e.g. UV-B radiation), extremely variable light periods and, in specific cases, high salinities and osmotic stress. Biodiversity guarantees the functioning of all ecosystems, so studying the properties and temporal evolution of polar ecosystem is fundamentally important for improving our knowledge of its current state and predicting its future development, particularly in the light of climate change. The analysis and monitoring of the biodiversity of biological communities and their ecological dynamics constitutes the focal point of this research topic. The study of the morphological-functional adaptation mechanisms adopted by polar organisms for survival in extreme conditions is particularly interesting.
Deeper understanding of biological processes and recent advances in biotechnology allow us to use the natural world to progress in various industries, such as in the development of drugs and food additives. In general, the term bioprospecting is used to indicate the exploration of living beings and biological materials for biomolecules that may be useful to humans. In this field, poorly known or poorly described genetic resources have a great potential for the discovery of new and valuable natural products. Therefore, polar organisms, given their unusual metabolic abilities and physiological adaptations to extreme environmental conditions, are well suited for this purpose. Furthermore, the possible future potential of polar organisms in of the bioremediation of pollutants, even persistent ones, at low temperatures should not be overlooked.
Where we are
The building, in pure Art Nouveau style, is located on the Straits of Messina, in the shadow of the Montorsoli Lantern. Thanks to this position, it dominates the waters of the Straits and the Port. The building consists of a central body with three floors, which houses offices and studios, and two wings, with the laboratories. The ISP building in Messina is shared with the Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM) and there is also a park of about 10,000 square meters, where there is the main auditorium in a building that was originally the Royal National Shooting range.
How to find us
- By train: if you come from the peninsula, get off at the Villa San Giovanni rail station, then board the BlueJet fast ship heading towards Messina Porto Storico. Otherwise if you come from a Sicilian town, get off at Messina Centrale rail station. Once you arrive in Messina, call our office to arrange transfer by car to the Institute.
- By plane: Catania Fontanarossa is the closest airport. From the airport, take the SAIS-Autolinee bus to Messina Central Station. Once you arrive in Messina, call our office to arrange the transfer by car to the Institute.
- By car: the institute can be reached by car and there is on-site temporary parking available. If you come from the peninsula, once you reach Villa San Giovanni you can board the Caronte ship (runs every 40 minutes) and then, once in Messina, continue by car to the Institute. If, on the other hand, you come from a Sicilian town, take the A18 Messina-Catania, exit at Messina Centro and continue towards the institute following the directions here.
Contact
ISP Secondary office of Messina
Responsable
Dr. Maurizio Azzaro
E-mail: responsabile_me AT cnr.it
Spianata S. Raineri 86 - 98122 Messina (ME)
Phone:+39 090 601 5415
Fax: +39 090 669 007
MAP
M. Sc. in Environmental Sciences, Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (oceanography) from the University of Venice. Research Director at the CNR Institute of Polar Sciences, Venice, CNR Researcher since 1997. From 2019 to early 2025, he held the role of Head of the Research Division at NATO STO CMRE in La Spezia.
He taught classes at the University of Bologna, Ancona, and Bocconi University in Milan, and owns the National Scientific Qualification as Full Professor in the 04/A4 Geophysics sector. Awarded the Office of Naval Research Command Coin, he served as Deputy President of the Ocean Science Division at the EGU (European Geoscience Union) from 2019 to 2024. In 2022, he received the Tridente d’Oro award for scientific and outreach merits and, starting in 2024, was admitted as an International Fellow of The Explorers Club.
He investigates the relationship between oceans and climate with a multi- and interdisciplinary approach. His main area of interest is physical oceanography and the interactions occurring between atmosphere, water and sediments. His research has focused on understanding and numerically modeling the role of currents, winds and waves in the transport of heat and salt in the oceans, and the associated variability in the context of an evolving climate.
The extraordinary role in the redistribution of energy between oceanic and atmospheric masses, and the determination of the related energy transfer along the water column, has been central to his research activities, intertwined with connections to: biogeochemical and sedimentological aspects (transport of nutrients and associated sediments); marine renewable energies; unexploded ordnance in the sea; and risks related to flooding and coastal erosion. He has promoted and developed a series of 3D circulation models coupled with meteorological models, third-generation wave generation and propagation models, and modules for the transport of non-cohesive sediments and biogeochemical modules.
The modeling approach has been validated with data from satellites, remote observations, and in-situ measurements in particularly vulnerable areas in the context of global warming. Along with the use of CTD probes, wave gauges, current meters, and turbidimeters, innovative techniques such as Maritime Unmanned Systems (MUS), seismic oceanography, and turbulence measurements with free-fall profilers have been employed. Author and co-author of over 120 papers in ISI journals with Impact Factor, 2 CNR patents, and 5 popular science books, he is a member of the Editorial Board of Scientific Reports (Nature group), Progress in Oceanography, and Ocean Dynamics.
ResearchGate Google Scholar
Ministero dell'Universita e Ricerca
Programma Ricerche Artico
Programma Nazionale di Ricerca in Antartide
Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale
L'Italia e l’Artico
L’Italia e l’Antartide
CNR-ISP
National Research Council
Institute of Polar Sciences
c/o Scientific Campus - Ca' Foscari University Venice - Via Torino, 155 - 30172 VENEZIA MESTRE (VE)
Phone: +39 041 2348547 - E-mail: protocollo.isp AT pec.cnr.it
Fax: +39 041 2348 549 - Codice Fiscale: 80054330586 - P.I.:02118311006
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